LIVE: Drugs and ammunition seized during major garda operation in Limerick town

A SIGNIFICANT quantity of drugs and a shotgun cartridge have been seized by gardai as part of a major crackdown on drug dealing in west Limerick.

Gardaí from the Limerick County Community Engagement Functional Area, assisted by Limerick Divisional Crime Units and the Regional Dog Unit conducted an operation targeting the sale and supply of drugs in Rathkeale in recent days.

As part of the operation, gardaí say they stopped a car in Rathkeale last Friday evening - November 7.

"The driver, a male in his 20s, was arrested after he attempted to make good his escape and suspected cocaine to the estimated street value of €3,500 was seized," said a spokesperson.

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Further searches were conducted at a domestic residence in Rathkeale on Saturday resulting in the seizure of suspected cocaine with an estimated value of €56,000.

A shotgun cartridge and a number of other items were also seized during the search.

"In total, suspected cocaine to the estimated street value of €59,500 was seized during the operation. The drugs seized will be forwarded to Forensic Science Ireland (FSI) for analysis," said the spokesperson.

The man who was arrested on Friday has since been charged and is due to appear before Newcastle West District Court this coming Friday.

Gardai say investigations are ongoing.